Clara Ellen Isenhart passed away peacefully on Jan. 24, 2016, in Bellingham at the age of 91. She was born on Oct. 20, 1924, in Paoli, Colorado, to Oscar and Olive Lohn. Her brothers were Oscar Jr., born in October 1923, and Glenn, born in 1927. She graduated from Haxtum High in Colorado in 1942 and went to work for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. She was a telegraph operator at the Bridgeport, Nebraska, switching station. After the war was over, she attended Denver University and that is where she met future husband James E. Isenhart Jr. They married on Aug. 24, 1947, and both graduated from DU in August 1948 with degrees in business administration.
To this union was born three sons and one daughter: Steve in 1948, Ken in 1950, Wes in 1952 and daughter Barbra in 1954. The family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, for many years when the kids were growing up. In 1975 Clara and Jim moved to Whatcom County. In 2004 Clara moved to West Second Street in Everson. She was a longtime member of the Garden Street and Nooksack United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Clara was preceded in death by mother Olive; father Oscar; brothers Oscar Jr. and Glenn; and husband James.
She is survived by children Steve (Sharon), Ken (Marsha), Wes (Linda) and Barb (John) Archuleta; grandchildren Scott (Anne), Jeff (Wendy), Becky (Kristian) Peterson, Derek, Lily (Andrew) Vagelatos, Nick and Eric; and great-grandchildren Justice, Sarah, Emily, James and Kate.
Thank you, Mom, for the example you set for all of us and the multitude of blessings and benefits that have flowed from you to family and friends for 91 years.
A memorial service will be held at the former Nooksack Valley United Methodist Church, 203 E. Lincoln St., Nooksack, WA on Jan. 29, 2016, at 6 p.m. with a reception to follow.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice House in her name and sent to 2800 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
